LEBRON WATCH: Cavs still poised for pitch to James

A regularly updated look at the buzz and swirl from across the web regarding LeBron James' free agency.

The last time LeBron signed (clockwise from top left): First came "The Decision," followed by a celebration at AmericanAirlines Arena, which came moments after his formal signing, on a night that also included his introductory Heat media session. (File)
(September 8, 2013)

Cleveland Plain Dealer columnist Terry Pluto, who has authored books on LeBron James, is among those downplaying any chance of James returning this summer to the Cavaliers.

In his Sunday column, Pluto wrote:

"James is 29. The reason that he left for Miami was to begin winning titles. He has two, and would love to pile up more. The six owned by Michael Jordan certainly is a reasonable goal. Never forget that James wore No. 23 in high school and in his days with the Cavs. That was Jordan's number . . .

"Exactly how does coming to Cleveland fit that goal? The Cavs are looking for another coach. They haven't been close to the playoffs since James left. Hard to imagine him embracing any sort of building plan, even one close to his Akron home . . .

"My sense is the Cavs are not spending much time dreaming about a LBJ return."

So let's see: The Cavaliers have a coaching vacancy, John Calipari might yet return to the NBA sidelines from his job at Kentucky, and LeBron James has spoken of one day possibly again playing in Cleveland.

Still, at least for now, Calipari doesn't see the pieces adding up, even with that Cleveland coaching vacancy and with James' impending early-player-termination decision.

Calipari addressed the possibilities Wednesday with Cleveland.com:

"Are you kidding me. Have a chance to coach the best player in the world? Yes, I would love to coach him. But what's happened is our careers are criss-crossing without crossing.